Dorchester celebrates 80th Anniversary

words by Sam Rogers

The Dorchester hotel will be celebrating its
80th anniversary in a unique collaboration with
international charity 'Trees for Cities' and the revival of a
classic Dorchester cocktail to toast the special occasion.

The famous hotel opened its doors to the public on Monday
20th April 1931. Promoted as a venue for 'aristocrats
and industrialists, high finance, ambassadors and statesmen,
pleasure-seekers and the Beautiful People,' The Dorchester
continues to be revered for its high-end service and luxurious
events.

Inspired by The Dorchester's own listed plane tree that has graced
the entrance to Mayfair's most famous address, the collaboration
with Trees for Cities will see the Dorchester plant 80 'Future
Great Trees' in London. The Dorchester Anniversary walk will be
compromised of 15 trees planted in Mayfair and St James's. A
further 65 'Future Great Trees' will be planted across London
aiming to create a legacy that will last hundreds of years, provide
clean air and enhance the cityscape.

To add to the celebrations, The Bar at The Dorchester will
reintroduce the long-forgotten 'Dorchester of London' to its
celebrated cocktail menu. Originally the recipe of 1930s
world-renowned bartender Harry Craddock, and resuscitated by Bar
Manager Giuliano Morandin, the commemorative cocktail is a
rum-based drink made with an exclusive 'Forbidden Fruit' liqueur
which disappeared over 60 years ago. The brandy-citrus-honey
essence has been reproduced with the aid of Bob's Bitters and will
be available exclusively at The Dorchester for a year.

Proceeds from the cocktail will go towards funding The Dorchester's
80th Anniversary 'Future Great Trees' project.

To learn more about key moments from the hotel's past - such as
Prince Philip celebrating his stag night in the Park Suite the
night before his marriage to Princess Elizabeth - go to www.thedorchester.com/80thanniversary